Do you REALLY know what is in your closet? I thought I did, and I also thought that I needed some more casual clothes. I went shopping, picking up some nice pieces at H&M, Nordstrom and J. Crew only to find out that I had some very similar pieces already in my closet. I guess you could look at it two ways:
- I’m consistent in my taste of clothing and consistency is good, right?!?
- I really need to delve into my wardrobe and become a bit more familiar with it!
This sparked me performing a closet audit.
What is a closet audit, you ask?
Time to really get to know what hangs in your closet; what’s stuffed in your drawers (and on the top shelves that you can’t see).
I’d recommend putting aside some quality time for this event, possibly consider inviting a trustworthy friend or family member over for this…you want someone that is going to give you their honest opinion about how each piece looks on you, whether you need it, etc.
Take everything out of your closet. If you think there is too much to take out all at once, start with one type and we’ll work our way through the rest! For example, let’s start with jeans. You’re going to make four piles – keep, donate, sell, and throw away.
- Check all pairs for stains or (unintentional) rips. If any pairs meet those two “requirements”, toss them into the “throw away” pile.
- Try on all remaining pairs. Check their fit on your waist, length, inseam, etc. If they are a bit short, would they look good as cut-off shorts? If they don’t fit, but are in great condition you may want to consider selling them online – toss them in the “sell” pile (future post on this!). If not, they go into the “donate” pile.
- Be realistic – when was the last time you wore each pair? If you haven’t worn them in the past 6 – 12 months (MAX), then you may want to reconsider keeping them.
- All jeans that you have now decided to keep should be washed and put back in the closet. I personally fold my jeans, but some people like to hang them. I think it all depends on available space.
Once you have done this for your t-shirts, shorts, dress pants, jackets, dresses, sweaters, blouses, tank tops, etc. you should have a better idea of what you DO have and what you need, if anything.
Is this audit just for clothing?
No, I recommend doing this with your costume jewelry, scarves, undergarments, bathing suits and socks as well. It feels so good to get a grasp on your clothing and accessory inventory and can also spark some new outfit ideas that you didn’t think of before this exercise. You could be finding new outfits that cost you NOTHING! Now that is extreme budgeting, if you ask me!
Use the infographic below as a guide to help you decide to keep or discard.
Feel free to share this infographic on your site (code below)!
HTML code:<a href=”https://themodernmomlounge.com”><img class=”aligncenter size-full wp-image-11894″ src=”https://themodernmomlounge.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Should-it-StayorShould-it-Go-.png” alt=”Should it StayorShould it Go-” width=”800″ height=”2000″ />
Do you have any helpful hints to make this exercise as painless and rewarding as possible? I’d love to know!
Shann Eva says
Great infographic! I really need to go through my closet and dresser and do this…..and my jewelry….and my purses….and my shoes. Now, if only there were more than 24 hours in a day 😉
Dana says
Thanks Shann! It was my first shot at an infographic too 🙂 I LOL’d when you mentioned needing more than 24 hours in a day…I understand!
Allison Jones says
I love this post! I clean my closet out regularly and I feel so much better when I do. This infographic is super helpful.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Dana says
Thank you Allison! I need to make my closet audits a seasonal thing.
Jessica says
I have the hardest time letting go of old clothes. I always think I will fit into it again and here I am 3 years later and I don’t fit into any of it. I finally had enough when I was packing for Cancun and just got rid of a bunch of stuff. Most of it still had tags 🙁
Dana says
I’m in the same boat with you Jessica. I have a pile at the top of my closet that I keep “just in case I lose those few extra pounds”.
Kaynicole says
This was great. I confess my closet is usually a mess! This will certainly help going forward.
Dana says
Thanks Kaynicole!! I’m glad this will help you!
Becki S says
I love the part of the infograph where you ask yourself if it makes you feel like a rock star! For me I ask if it makes me feel like a total bad a** but same sentiment 😉 Thanks for sharing, I totally need to do another clothes audit!
Dana says
Thanks Becki! LOL…I agree its the same sentiment 🙂
Ann says
This is a great post. That is an awesome way to break this down 🙂
Dana says
Thanks Ann!
Erica says
Great strategy for keep your clothes and accessories organized and maintained. Pinning this!
Dana says
Thanks Erica 🙂
Rachel says
This is great – and so needed! I think I need an accountability partner for going through my closet. Even if I’ve never worn it I suddenly get attached to it and can’t get rid of it, haha. I need to get rid of so many things!
Dana says
Rachel, you are not alone! I have many pieces that still have tags and I don’t want to get rid of them. LOL
Amanda says
This is all so helpful! I just did a closet clean out and I am still trying to get rid of stuff!
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Dana says
Thanks Amanda! It takes days…LOL
H Evans says
I am very lucky that I just leave this up to my wife.If I have clothing that fits and is clean I am good.
Dana says
You are very lucky! I wish I had someone to do this for me 🙂
Jamie Loomis says
Thanks for the very helpful graphic! Cleaning out my closet is on my goal list and this will help keep me on task and make the job more fun.
Dana says
I’m glad the graphic helped Jamie!
Jessica says
I’m ashamed to admit how many items of clothing I have in my closets (yes, plural) and drawers. I definitely need to do this!
Dana says
Jess, it’s OK – I completely understand 😉 I think you need a day of cleaning!